Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannel Gray.
Hi Shannel , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started one day when I was reviewing the newspaper for a small second job. I saw an opening for an assistant at a photography studio with a prestigious photographer in the Russellville, AR area where I lived. I interviewed and got the job. Steve, the photographer, and I became close. We talked and conversed every day. He taught me several things about photography. In return, I spoke to Steve a lot about my life, lifestyle, and my walk with God. It was interesting to him to learn more about. I began to notice the clientele he had and gained a great relationship with some.
Steve saw my passion for the capturing of the moments of people’s lives. One day, he asked me why didn’t I pursue my “eye” in photography? I told him I never really thought about a business part of it but more like a hobby. Well one day, I closed up shop and headed downtown. It weighed heavily on my heart about my vision for others and how to bring what others see of themselves to life but in a different light. It was a rainy Thursday evening. I pulled up to Staples and sat in the parking lot. I asked God if He would help me bring to life my ministry and my vision, I would dedicate my business to him. I entered the store. I went to the camera section where I met nice sales guy. He helped me and asked what I was looking for. I told him my thoughts and he then walked me to a certain line of cameras. Then he walked me over to the programs I would need to edit. I priced everything in my head as we walked. I became discouraged. I knew I didn’t have enough in the bank. I told the man thank you with my head hung low and went to sit in my car. Again, I closed my eyes and asked God again for favor and that I would dedicate my photography to Him, I needed a miracle.
A lifting came to my spirit. I got out of my car again and entered the store. There the sales guy stood smiling and stated I knew you would come back. He placed in my hands, a Canon Powershot camera. I stated, oh my gosh!! Thank you but I need more. He looked and said, ma’am, you have all that you need. Congratulations! I went to the checkout counter and saw that the total amount came to $199.00. I had $200 even in my bank account. I paid for the camera and went to my car smiling. After sitting there, I began to wonder how would I edit? I looked at the camera box and turned it around. There on the back it stated, included for free Photoshop Elements full program. I cried myself happy; God truly answered my prayers! I went to work the following day and that was when Steve notified me that he was going to be slowing down in business and would not need me anymore. I smiled because I knew that all that happened was in God’s timing. He was yet preparing me for the greater reward on the other side. I hugged Steve and we kept in contact until I later moved. Steve’s resilience and wise words still reside in my heart until this day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my 15 years of photography, no it has not always been easy. With the new demands of AI and the change in the vision of many clients today, it has challenged a lot of us to step outside of the box and not stay the same. You have to change some aspects of how you shoot, the new looks and it causes you to challenge yourself to see things differently. I still have some clientele that desire that old school flavor and that is nice. I do not desire for my photos to look like the same things that everyone else is doing, but I like to challenge myself to try new things and do life in a different way when capturing the vision but still remain with that one in a million effect. I had to realize that as time moves on, not everyone is meant for you. Be true to the visionary that you are built to be. But you keep going and experimenting with new things and ways of being your best self in a forever changing industry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a creative photographer with a heart rooted in faith and a passion for bringing people’s visions to life. No matter the concept, inspiration, or design someone presents to me, I approach every session with creativity, purpose, and love.
Before I ever pick up my camera, I ask God to guide my vision — to allow me to see each person through my lens in a way they may have never seen themselves before. My goal is not just to create beautiful photos, but to create unforgettable moments that remind people of their worth, beauty, strength, and uniqueness.
Photography, for me, is more than taking pictures. It’s about capturing confidence, emotion, personality, and purpose in a single frame. I want every person who steps in front of my camera to walk away feeling inspired, seen, and reminded of just how amazing they truly are.
Aside from the photography world, I am a great Director of sales for the past few years with Hilton and now I am a sales director for Marriott! I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the strategies of keeping up with the changing market and competing with other hotels in the industry to gain my fair share of the revenue coming in and out of the area. I was born to sale and to also understand the drive to make what others think is nothing to something great!
How do you think about happiness?
Having peace in my life. Having God as the head of my life and following his will for my life is what makes me happy. Being true to the person that I really am is what makes me so content with myself. I love to be alone and reading things about life and discovering what God placed me on this earth to be and also knowing his will for my life. I am stronger and I trust his purpose for my life. I feel that as you grow and go through things, you just can’t remain the same. It pushes you to evolve and become a greater version of yourself. You are either going to sit there and let life pass you by or tell yourself you can do all things and allow God to bring you to a greater stage. Choice is yours. Choose true happiness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: shae4photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shaegrayphotography
Image Credits
Personal photo: Chad Osorio
Other photos were taken by me, ShaeGray Photography.
